Obturator and Observation Channel Layout for Simultaneous Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical devices for visual examination and sample collection from body orifices face challenges such as the inability to perform both tasks simultaneously, discomfort to patients, and issues with contamination and sterilization.

Innovation Solution

A device with an observation channel and an obturator featuring a resiliently deformable portion that allows for simultaneous visual inspection and sample collection, minimizing discomfort and reducing sterilization needs, using a wireless visualization device and an instrument access closure to maintain pressure and cleanliness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a lens is used for visual inspection, then visual examination capability is improved, but the device size increases causing patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual examination capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The observation channel is nested within the main body of the device, allowing the inspection channel to be housed inside the main structure without increasing external dimensions. This enables visual examination capability while maintaining a compact device size that minimizes patient discomfort during insertion and procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a lens is used for visual inspection, then visual examination capability is improved, but simultaneous sample collection becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual examination capabilityVSAvoidsimultaneous sample collection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional components: an observation channel for visual inspection and a separate main body with instrument access for sample collection. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently and simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between visual examination capability and sample collection versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the device is made compact to minimize discomfort, then patient comfort is improved, but contamination control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The observation channel is extracted as a separate, sealed component within the main body. This allows the observation channel to be maintained in a sterile state while the main body interfaces with the patient environment. The sealed connection between components prevents contamination while maintaining a compact overall device size that ensures patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If conventional devices are used, then visual inspection can be performed, but procedural time is elongated due to separate sample collection steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual inspection capabilityVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges visual inspection and sample collection functions into a single integrated instrument. The observation channel and main body with instrument access work together as one unified device, allowing the practitioner to perform both visual examination and sample collection simultaneously during a single insertion procedure, thereby eliminating the need for separate steps and reducing overall procedural time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient, comfortable, and contamination-free visual examination and sample collection from body orifices, enhancing procedural efficiency and reducing cross-contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

a resiliently deformable portion adapted to deform to allow the obturator to pass over the observation channel as the obturator is being inserted into the main body and to restore to its original shape once the tip has passed over the observation channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260047751A1Medical visual examination and sampling device

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 ARTIMED AS

AI summary

A device suitable for direct visual examination and sample collection from the digestive tract and vagina. The device comprises a main body and an observation channel situated inside the main body comprising a first closed end and a second end. The device further comprises an obdurator for insertion into the main body, the obdurator comprising a longitudinal groove arranged to accommodate the observation channel and a tip comprising a resiliently deformable portion. The resiliently deformable portion is adapted to deform to allow the obdurator to pass over the observation channel as the obdurator is being inserted into the main body and to restore to its original shape once the tip has passed over the observation channel and the obdurator is fully inserted into the main body.